Simple Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

A popular keyword related to this recipe is simple chicken stir fry.

Sometimes you just want a quick and easy meal that doesn’t require too much effort or time in the kitchen, but still tastes delicious. A simple Chicken Stir Fry fits the bill perfectly! It’s light, flavorful, and can be customized to your taste preferences. This dish is also versatile; it pairs well with different sides like rice, noodles, or even as a standalone main course for a busy weeknight.

The cooking time for this recipe is around 30 minutes from start to finish, and the yield will feed approximately 4 people generously. It’s an excellent choice if you're looking for something satisfying yet not overly filling after a long day at work or school.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken breast (about 300 grams), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• Soy sauce (to taste)
• Sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to season
• Vegetable oil for stir frying
• Green onions or cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix together the chicken pieces with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.

2. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables by slicing them as mentioned above.

3. Heat a wok or large frying pan over medium heat. Add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of your pan. Once hot, add the garlic and ginger, stir-frying until fragrant but not browned (about 30 seconds).

4. Add the chicken into the pan and stir fry for about 5 minutes or until it starts turning golden brown.

5. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the wok to a plate. Now add more oil if necessary, then throw in the carrots followed by the bell peppers. Stir-fry these vegetables until they are slightly tender (about 3-4 minutes).

6. Mix the stir fried chicken back into the pan with the remaining ingredients, and cook for another couple of minutes to combine flavors.

7. Season to taste with soy sauce. Garnish with green onions or cilantro if using. Serve hot!

Health Benefits

This simple chicken stir fry not only provides a satisfying meal but also offers several health benefits due to its fresh and natural ingredients. Chicken is rich in protein which helps build muscle mass, supports bone health, and enhances immune function.

• Protein: Protein found in chicken plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin, muscles, bones, cartilage, and blood.
• Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables added to the stir-fry provide essential vitamins like Vitamin C which aids iron absorption and promotes wound healing. Additionally, carrots contribute beta-carotene which is beneficial for eye health.
• Fiber: Including bell peppers and onions ensures dietary fiber intake which supports digestive health and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Variations & Tips

To make this dish even more delicious, consider adding different spices like chili flakes for a bit of heat or star anise for an exotic flavor. You could also substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp if you prefer a vegetarian option or want to change up the protein source.

1. For extra flavor: Add a splash of oyster sauce during cooking which adds umami richness to the dish.
2. Picky eaters: For those who aren’t fans of strong flavors, you might want to reduce the amount of soy sauce or use light soy sauce instead.

The simplicity of this recipe lies in its ability to be adapted based on personal taste and dietary needs. Whether you're a beginner cook looking for something straightforward or an experienced chef wanting to experiment with different ingredients, simple chicken stir fry remains one of those go-to dishes that never disappoints!